Some Facts About Bamboo
Interesting facts about bamboo. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on the planet. It can grow 3 feet in height in 24 hours under appropriate climate conditions.
It has been recorded growing at an amazing 47.6 inches in a 24 hour period. Unlike other woody plants, bamboo reaches maturity after only 3 to 5 years.
Bamboo releases 30% more oxygen into the atmosphere and absorbs more carbon dioxide compared to other plants.
The genus Bamboos (Bambusoidaea) consists of 1439 different species. It is one of the 12 subfamilies of the grass family (Poaceae) and the only one to diversify in forests.
Bamboo is a great alternative wood a greener, more sustainable environment.
Bamboo grows fast–amazingly fast…Some species of bamboo are clocked at growing over 3′ (90cm) in height in a day! That’s over 1.5″ (3.8cm) in one hour!! No other plant on earth can do this.
Bamboo is a crucial element in the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. A grove of bamboo releases 35% more oxygen than an equivalent cluster of trees.
This makes bamboo excellent for absorbing greenhouse gases and producing clean, fresh oxygen. One of the reasons planting bamboo is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help fight climate change.
Versatility as Building Material
Bamboo is a viable replacement for wood. Bamboo can reach full maturity in 1 to 5 years (dependent on species). It can be harvested in 3-5 years; versus 10-20 for softwoods, and 30 to 40 for hardwoods.
It is the only wood that can keep up with the rate of human consumption.
It can out-yield pine 6:1 in biomass production. Bamboo is intrinsically strong in its molecular structure and has been used as a standard building material for the majority of the world for thousands of years.
It is also one of the strongest building materials with a tensile strength of 28,000 psi. To help give you some perspective, mild steel measures only 23,000 psi.
Bamboo can replace the use of wood for any application from hardwood floors, furniture, utensils, bike frames, phone cases to almost anything imaginable.
Is A Sustainable Resource
Even after harvesting, it continues to grow new shoots from its root system. There is no additional planting or cultivation. Bamboo requires no chemicals, pesticides or fertilizer to grow and thrive.
Its own fallen leaves provide the necessary nutrients (compost) back into the soil.
Every part of the plant is utilized one way or another; for a zero waste approach. After the bamboo material has reached it’s life span, it can be composted back into the earth.
Bamboo Prevents Soil Erosion
After a hardwood forest is cleared, the soil below is exposed to the elements. The soil eventually erodes away into rivers and streams, harming wildlife. The root system of bamboo continues to grow after harvesting.
New shoots will emerge and the roots still prevent soil erosion and maintain soil nutrients.
It greatly reduces erosion with a sum of stem flow rate and canopy intercept of 25% (1). This dramatically reduces rain run-off, preventing massive soil erosion and making it very eco-friendly.
(1) In hydrology, stemflow is the flow of intercepted water down the trunk or stem of a plant. Stemflow, along with throughfall, is responsible for the transferral of precipitation and nutrients from the canopy to the soil. In tropical rainforests, where this kind of flow can be substantial, erosion gullies can form at the base of the trunk. However, in more temperate climates stemflow levels are low and have little erosional power.
Bamboo can become: food (new shoots), clothing (fibers), concrete reinforcement, homes (lumber). It also makes great livestock feed; as the foliage is made up of 22% protein.
Versatility In Growing Conditions
It’s highly versatile and can grow in all sorts of climate zones and soil types where other crops fail. Bamboo can also tolerate extreme conditions that most plants cannot.
It was actually the first plant to re-green after the atomic blast in Hiroshima in 1945.
Is not only great for the environment, but it’s also beneficial to people.
Has Anti-Bacterial Properties
Bamboo contains a natural bio-agent known as Bamboo Kun. Bamboo Kun is a natural anti-bacterial. It’s so effective, that it eliminates and prevents over 70% of bacteria that attempt to grow on it.
This anti-bacterial property remains whether the bamboo is in its natural form, or woven into fabric.
The plant does not require any pesticides or chemical fertilizers for healthy growth. It’s resistant to pests and pathogens because it contains bamboo kun.
Bamboo Is Deodorizing
Bamboo charcoal is extremely porous and can absorb large quantities of odor causing bacteria. It’s also used in water filtration.
An increasing list of items that require deodorizing are made of bamboo. Including shoe insoles, deodorant, linens, and clothing. It’s even made into charcoal for your gym bag or closet for odor absorption.
This eliminates the need to use artificial chemical fragrances which only mask odors. Bamboo deodorizers are a great alternative for the increasing percentage of people with allergies/sensitivities to chemical fragrances.
Bamboo Fiber Is Breathable And Absorbent
An amazing property of bamboo fiber is that it is excellent at absorbing moisture, keeping the skin cool and dry. Even when moist, it does not cling to skin allowing for great breathability.
Bamboo Fiber Sustains Temperature
The insulating characteristics of bamboo fiber make it great for sustaining body temperature. It cools people down when it’s hot and it keeps people warm when it’s cold.
A Healthy Source of fiber and nutrients
Bamboo shoots have been a staple food source for thousands of years in Asian cultures. Bamboo shoots are low in fat and calories, and are also an excellent source of fiber and potassium.
One serving of bamboo shoots provides 10% of your daily recommended intake. Crispy, crunchy bamboo shoots are great in your favorite soups, salads, or as a complement to an entree.
Almost on a daily basis, people see reminders of the damaging effects we are doing to the environment, and our only planet. Climate change, mass rates of deforestation, and an over population are all contributing to the depletion of natural resources.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stemflow
https://www.softschools.com/facts/plants/bamboo_facts/563/
https://lewisbamboo.com/interesting-facts-about-bamboo/
http://www.bamboobotanicals.ca/html/about-bamboo/bamboo-facts.html